Planning Permission Paves the Way for Detailed Designs at Latitude, Wakefield


Following the granting of planning permission this summer, Wilton Developments has given architects the green light to prepare the detailed design and tender packs for Phase 2 at its Latitude Park scheme in Wakefield.

This work will ensure that new industrial and warehouse buildings could be delivered within 26 weeks of an occupier being secured.

Set on a four acre site, adjacent to Junction 31 of the M62, unit L31A can offer 34,000 sq ft of commercial space and unit L31B at total of 43,000 sq ft. The developments offer up to ten metre eaves heights, as well as high quality office space accommodation, secure yards and parking.

Jason Stowe, Managing Director of Wilton Developments, said: “The existing availability of high quality industrial and distribution buildings on West Yorkshire`s M62 corridor is limited with demand outstripping supply.

“We have already received an increasing number of enquiries for space at Latitude Park, due to its proximity to both the M1 and and decided to progress the detailed design as this constrained market is ideal for having a designed development ready to deliver for occupation within less than six months. The site will in effect be `ready to go`.”

This will be Wilton`s second flagship development at the Wakefield Latitude Park site, just off Junction 31 of the M62. Its first development sold for £9.2 million within months of its ten-year lease to Scottish logistics firm Malcolm Group being announced. The scheme follows on from the successful Connex 45 scheme on the Leeds EZ and the currently under construction Kinetic 45 scheme also in the Leeds EZ.

The Latitude site is an extension to Wakefield Europort and is home to key brands such as Haribo, Asda, Argos, DHL and TK Maxx.

Jacques Esterhuizen, Associate Director of CBRE`s Leeds office, said: “There is an evident lack of readily available modern warehouse accommodation available within the West Yorkshire market. We are noticing that occupiers are increasingly getting use to the idea of meeting with developers and discussing build-to-suit solutions. Given the deliverability and strategic location of L31, we are confident of maintaining the high level of interest to date and securing occupiers for both units.”


New Commercial Development Set to Attract More Business to Barnsley


Detailed plans have been drawn up for development of a new business park near to junction 36 of the M1 in Barnsley.

`Enterprise 36`, which will accommodate four large new industrial units, is now being promoted to potential tenants as a strategic UK location for manufacturing and distribution.

Owners Barmston Developments,a joint venture partnership between Wilton Developments and Glugston Estates, acquired the 25 acre site formerly known as Gladman Park in June.

They have now rebranded it as `Enterprise 36` to reflect the development`s significance within the new Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone (EZ) and its position less than a mile from junction 36 of the M1.

The formerly disused business park has now been cleared and developers have secured full planning permission for four buildings totalling just over 300,000 square feet. These new-build units are suitable for industrial or warehousing use.

Barmston is now working closely with Enterprising Barnsley, the economic development arm of Barnsley Council, to advance the Enterprise 36 scheme and seek further development funding. Property agents CBRE of Leeds and CPP of Sheffield have been appointed to market the site nationally and regionally.

Director at Barmston Developments Jason Stowe said: “Enterprise 36 is an attractive location for business on the M1 corridor, providing excellent nationwide connectivity. We have now thoroughly explored and scoped the potential of the site and are ready to begin serious discussions with occupiers on bringing this site forward.

“Everyone involved in the Barmston partnership has a reputation for delivering good quality warehousing and industrial units across the north and we`ve had a great welcome here in Barnsley. We are now keen to work with Enterprising Barnsley and our partners to put Enterprise 36 on the map and attract new businesses to the local economy.”

Barmston Developments` outline plans include one unit at 40,000 sq ft, another at 70,000 and two at around 100,000 sq ft, which will be built to the specification of future occupiers. It is anticipated that, once occupied, the development in total could create 520 new jobs.

Shaun Higginbottom, business investment manager at Enterprising Barnsley, said: “We`re delighted to welcome Barmston Developments` investment in to this formerly dormant site in Barnsley and look forward to supporting its successful transformation into a vibrant business park.

” The area around junction 36 of the M1 has seen massive investment in infrastructure and commercial property development this year and is playing a key role in attracting inward investment and new jobs to Barnsley and the wider region.”

Enterprise 36 sits within the established Wentworth Park Industrial Estate at Tankersley in Barnsley, which is already home to businesses such as Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Distinction Doors, ITAB, AECOM, HSBC and Pilkington Glass.

Work has also commenced on a £17 million scheme to improve access and allow for increased commercial traffic around the M1 junction 36 roundabout, funded through the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund.

This is Barmston`s second venture within an EZ development, having undertaken a similar scheme at Turbine Business Park in Sunderland`s Enterprise zone two years ago.

Enterprising Barnsley, the economic development arm of Barnsley Council, provides specialist support to businesses with growth potential.


£8million Speculative EZ Development Breaks Ground As New Contractor Announced


Wilton Developments announced today (30th June 2016) that it has appointed GMI Construction to deliver its new 83,000 commercial development on Newmarket Lane, in the heart of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone.

Kinetic 45, an £8million industrial and warehouse scheme, will be delivered speculatively as a standalone 60,000 sq ft industrial unit incorporating high quality office space and two smaller units of 11,000 and 12,000 sq ft, all of the buildings will have their own secure yards. This is Wilton`s second speculative scheme in the Zone following on from the success of Connex 45.

GMI Construction has started on site and the project will be ready for occupation in December this year.

Jason Stowe, Managing Director of Wilton Developments, said: “This is another Yorkshire success story as we have appointed GMI to deliver our second high-quality, speculative built industrial scheme in the Enterprise Zone, working alongside our Yorkshire based design team.

“We are confident we will receive a lot of interest in these high quality, well located units and look forward to helping to boost the local economy and create new jobs.”

The ground breaking ceremony took place today and Wilton Developments was joined by Leeds City Council and the Leeds City Region LEP on the circa four acre site. The ceremony followed a business briefing held jointly with LCC and the LEP with industrial property agents across the city.

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said: “We are delighted to see work starting on another major new development within the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone. It is especially pleasing to see local companies involved in the design and construction of this new Kinetic 45 development, which will provide a further boost to the local and regional economy, as well as creating new job opportunities in the months and years to come.”

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP) commented: “Today`s announcement marks the next phase in the evolution of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone. I`m delighted that Wilton has selected a regional firm to deliver its latest development.

“Over the last three months we`ve seen interest and activity continue to build within the Enterprise Zone and with the industrial property market looking strong, I`m sure that Kinetic 45 will attract considerable interest from occupiers keen to take advantage of the site`s location and connectivity. Our Enterprise Zone are a key part of the City Region`s strategic economic plan and as the premier destination for logistics and e-fulfilment in the North of England, offers us a real opportunity to attract major occupiers and grow our economy.”

The Enterprise Zone comprises 142 hectares of prime employment land adjacent to the M1 motorway, just two miles from Leeds City Centre and is an ideal location for manufacturing and supply chain companies.

The Kinetic 45 development is close to Wilton`s successful Connex 45 scheme, which was the first speculative development in the Enterprise Zone and is now home to FedEx and Perspex Distribution Ltd.

Wilton Developments has appointed CBRE`s Leeds Industrial Agency team as sole agent on Kinetic 45. Mike Baugh, Senior Director from CBRE said: “Kinetic 45 represents the only large scale speculative development taking place in the Leeds area currently and we are delighted to be working with Wilton Developments on this project. Given the quality of the scheme under construction, the lack of supply of modern units in the Leeds area and the Enterprise Zone location, we are already seeing a good level of interest from the occupier market.”


Fully Let at Speculative Enterprise Zone Development


Wilton Developments has secured a tenant for Connex 30, part of its £5 million speculative development at Thornes Farm in the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone.

Perspex Distribution Ltd has taken a 10 year lease for the entire 30,225 sq ft (2,808 sq m) industrial/distribution unit, with ancillary office space, at £5.75 per sq ft.

Situated on a four acre site close to the East Leeds Link Road, in the heart of the Leeds Aire Valley Corridor, Connex 30 is part of the Connex 45 development where the adjacent 50,000 sq ft unit which was let to FedEx last year.

Jason Stowe from Wilton Developments said: “The first Connex Unit was let prior to completion at a strong rental level. This swift of the sister building reinforces Leeds City Council`s confidence that by delivering good quality speculative buildings in this location will attract strong occupier interest.”

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council`s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning said: “It is fantastic that yet another new business has chosen to locate to the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone, proving once again that the site is extremely well placed to attract new and growing businesses. This will create new jobs for Leeds and help us to continue our work with businesses to create a compassionate city with a strong economy.”

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP) added: “Over the last year, since it was named as one of the City Region`s Big Six investment opportunities, Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone has gone from strength to strength. I`m delighted that Perspex Distribution Ltd is joining a long list of businesses that are calling the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone home and capitalising upon the opportunities it offers. Businesses locating there not only benefit from a range of incentives but also get access to the City Region`s talented workforce and the national motorway network.”

Wilton Developments will be bringing forward a further 83,000 sq ft in its Kinetic 45 development also within the Enterprise Zone later this year.

The Enterprise Zone offers a range of incentives to businesses, as well as superfast broadband of up to 100 MB and a bespoke package of recruitment and business support.

CBRE, Colliers and Langleys Solicitors acted for Wilton Developments.

Jacques Esterhuizen of CBRE said: “As a result of strengthening demand and falling supply, the Leeds and West Yorkshire market has finally moved into the developers` favour. In particular, Leeds has a shortage across all size ranges with limited good quality options available. The Connex scheme is testament to this and the lettings to FedEx and Perspex have reinforced Wilton`s decision to speculatively build these units.”